============================================ || || 28th February 2024 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU: http://lnu.org/ || || Please email Editor on: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Information, events, news and requests - mostly local. 2. Wildlife Highlights from Rare Bird Alert. 3. Wildlife reports around the county. Contributions welcome... 4. NNRs, RSPB and LWT Reserves : Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe. 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR: Chambers Farm Wood. 6. Other Reserve Reports - links. 7. Sending in Bulletin Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information - recorders and specialists... 9. Notes about these wildlife reports. 10. Bulletin publicity policy. 11. Events Diary - what's on. 12. ...and finally. Mostly national/international wildlife stories. ============================================ Reports here are open. They are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union; the Lincolnshire Bird Club and Lincolnshire Environmental Record Centre [LERC]. Compare earlier years/months. Past Bulletins archive [in text] from 2009: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or associated organisations. Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. INFORMATION, EVENTS, NEWS AND REQUESTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor writes: The LNU AGM is approaching and the agenda and information will be on its way to LNYmembers shortly, by email or by post. We are hoping for a good turn out on 16th March at 2.00pm. The meeting will also be available online via "Zoom". Details are in the mailing. The Exec. Committee will be glad of your support. Meanwhile, please keep your news and reports coming. This week's mostly-local news stories: Hatton solar farm: Campaigners to fight on after plans quashed by High Court https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68411357 Horncastle floodgate fault 'did not cause flooding', said report https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68414158 Gills Aloud? Tiny fish found making very big noise https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68402386 Hotel pool plan will destroy archaeology - expert https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9w4wklm9zwo Flood-hit Tallington residents left without working toilets and showers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68384017 North Kesteven: Protest staged over plans for huge solar farm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68363229 Two charged after 400 cannabis plants found in Lincolnshire village https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68369707 Lincolnshire Steam Fair 2024 will not happen due to rising costs https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68362306 Wingland: The village where fast broadband costs £100k https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-68409344 More links in "...and finally ..." at the end of the Bulletin. Thanks to all who sent in news, reports and contributions this week. Roger old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Note - my best address for emails. Phil's email is:philporterento@outlook.com *** Weather News and Forecast *** https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#? 4-13 March 2024 "The start of this period is likely to be unsettled and showery, especially in the south where a spell of persistent rain and strong winds is possible, though temperatures should return to near-average. Through the week, there is some uncertainty, but high pressure seems likely build to the east, bringing drier and more settled conditions (with some spring sunshine) for a time, especially in eastern areas, with western parts always more at risk of seeing further spells of rain and strong winds. Towards the middle of March, a typical mixture of conditions looks most likely with spells of rain interspersed with brighter, drier intervals. Temperatures are likely to be around, or a little above average, but some cold nights are certainly still possible. " *** For Astronomers and Sky-watchers *** The brightest object ever observed in the night sky is a black hole that’s growing by the equivalent of one Sun a day https://theconversation.com/the-brightest-object-ever-observed-in-the-night-sky-is-a-black-hole-thats-growing-by-the-equivalent-of-one-sun-a-day-224041 Intuitive Machines: Odysseus Moon lander 'tipped over on touchdown' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68388695 Japan Moon lander survives lunar night https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68400989 Supernova: Astronomers crack cosmic 'murder mystery' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68352044 March Night Sky - highlights: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/astronomy/night-sky-highlights-march-2024 Full Moons 2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/full-moon-calendar Meteor shower dates 2024 https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/meteor-shower-guide BBC Sky at Night Magazine website https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news *** EVENTS *** *** Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT *** Carolyn Davis writes… "A Year in Nature 2023" On Monday 11th March 2024 the group will hold their next indoor meeting when excellent photographer and speaker, Mike Pickwell will take us through a year in nature with photographs and tales from 2023. This will take place in Grimsby Town Hall DN31 1HX and starts at 7.30pm. Admission £4, all are welcome. Raffle and refreshments available. For more information please contact chairperson Jennie Redpath 01472 502858 or visit our website grimsbywildlifetrust.org.uk, We are also on Facebook. "Looking for Signs of Spring Walk in Weelsby Woods" On Saturday 30th March 24 the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group LWT invite you to join them on a walk around Weelsby Woods, Grimsby Looking for signs of springwith Graham Hicks. Meet Graham at 8am in the car parking area Grid Ref. TA28590742 nearest postcode DN33 8PW Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event however donations will be welcomed for the Trust. For more information, please contact Graham Hicks 07979 089890 *** Scunthorpe and Brigg Local Group - Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** Keith Scarrott writes: Our next meeting is on Thursday, 14th March, an illustrated talk by our local Chairman, Eddie Gaunt, on "The Natural History of Anglesey". Eddie has visited this island off the North Coast of Wales. It has much to offer for wildlife enthusiasts. We meet, as always, in the St Hugh's Church Hall, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 2AG, which is opposite the Applegreen filling station near to Brumby crossroads. All are welcome to our meetings which start at 7.30pm. There is a £2.50 entrance charge which includes tea/coffee and biscuit at the mid-talk break. There is a free car park at the Church and also at the Old Brumby United Church opposite with also roadside parking nearby. *** Natural History and Geology Section - Scunthorpe Museum Society *** Keith Scarrott writes: Our next meeting is on Monday, 11th March, starting at 7.15pm as usual. We have a very unusual meeting that we hope will appeal to all who care about our wildlife and how we can exercise that care through good knowledge and understanding of all its variation and needs. The illustrated talk is "Messingham Zoo - a brief history. One couple's dream of starting their own zoo". The proprietors, Ian and his wife Alex, have set up their zoo at Messingham with their stated aim to offer something different from larger zoos and wildlife parks by focussing on close-up encounters with smaller, friendlier animals. Education forms a big part of what they want to deliver, teaching about animal care and welfare. We meet in the small hall, room 1, at the Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16, 2AQ, which is immediately next to the Applegreen filling station near to Brumby crossroads and opposite the St Hugh's Church. Allare welcome ot our meetings. There is free parking at the Church and also at the St Hugh's Church opposite or on the nearby roadsides. There is a £3 entry charge for non-members of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. There will be a comfort break mid-way through the presentation when light refreshments are available for a small charge. *** South Lincs RSPB Group *** Jeremy Eyeons writes: The South Lincs RSPB Group has released details of their 2024 “Seal and Birdwatching” cruises aboard “The Boston Belle”. There are twelve cruises organised for 2024, starting on 5th April and ending on 24th October. Full details are on our website, including ticket prices, booking arrangements, sailing times and dates etc.. Booking is essential. https://group.rspb.org.uk/southlincolnshire/ *** The Amateur Naturalist and Professional Ecologist: Bridging the Gap *** A Series of talks on 09 March 2024 09:30 to 16:30 St Georges Conference Centre 60 Great George Street Leeds LS1 3DL This conference brings Yorkshire Naturalists' Union and CIEEM Yorkshire and Humber Members Network, and those not members of either, together for a day of talks on the theme of bridging the gap between ‘amateur’ and professional ecologists. Talks will cover subjects such as how both societies collect and use biological data, how citizen science can shape development and policy, and how we as a community can effectively engage with stakeholders to present that data. A day of talks and workshops on the theme of bridging the gap between amateur and professional ecologists, covering wide ranging subjects including: - how naturalists and ecologists collect and use data; - how citizen science can shape development and policy; and - how we can all engage with stakeholders to present that data. Topics will include how we can work together to promote nature recovery and achieve meaningful gains for biodiversity by promoting best practice. Suitable for all; No prior knowledge required http://events.cieem.net/Events/EventPages/09032024000000TheAmateurNaturalistandProfessionalEcologistBridgingtheGap.aspx STAYING SAFE Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Bird flu: Defra advice to the general public is to leave corpses alone and report the findings - but that landowners should dispose of birds themselves. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain Lyme Disease reminder https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/zoonoses-data-sheets/lyme-disease.pdf Road works and hold-ups https://roadworks.org/ Met Office Severe Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings Met Office Severe Weather E-mail Service - sign up. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails EasyTide http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx Environment Agency Flood Warnings - Lincolnshire https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=lincolnshire Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline - sign up https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce their pager reports. A big thank you from us all. Readers interested in a pager - have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ For RBA's excellent articles: https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp 21/2 Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Frampton Marsh. Ring-necked Duck fem opposite Scallow Grove Farm, at Grebe Lake, Messingham Sand Quarry. 22/2 Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Frampton Marsh. Probable Hawfinch [heard only], Woodlark, Little Gull, Gibraltar Point. Ring-necked Duck fem opposite Scallow Grove Farm, at Grebe Lake, Messingham Sand Quarry. 23/2 Hen Harrier ringtail, Willow Tree Fen. Glossy Ibis on west Pit from river bank, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James. Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Hen Harrier male over saltmarsh, Frampton Marsh. 2 Lapland Buntings, Saltfleetby NNR. Ring-necked Duck fem opposite Scallow Grove Farm, at Grebe Lake, Messingham Sand Quarry. 24/2 3 Long-eared Owls in ivy east of channel at Main Lake, Glossy Ibis on West Pit, Deeping Lakes, Deeping St James. Green-winged Teal drk on Crowland Wash, Deeping High Bank. 14 Turnstones viewed from Cradge Bank, Cowbit Wash. Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, 2 Hen Harriers, 1 male, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh. 3 Shorelarks on saltings north of Greenshank Creek. 2 Long-tailed Ducks on sea, Gibraltar Point. Smew ad drk at Thorpe Landfill quarry on lake off Job's Lane, Whisby. Ring-necked Duck fem opposite Scallow Grove Farm, at Grebe Lake, Messingham Sand Quarry. 25/2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose from Cradge Bank, 10 Turnstones, Cowbit Wash, Cowbit. Green-winged Teal drk on Crowland Wash, Deeping High Bank. Hen Harrier ringtail flew east over Terrington Marsh. 4 Waxwings by A17, in hawthorn by bridge over River Welland, later reported opposite layby with speed camera, Fosdyke. Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, 2 Hen Harriers, Frampton Marsh. 26/2 Hen Harrier ringtail, 2 Common Cranes, Willow Tree Fen. Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Frampton Marsh. 3 Shorelarks near Greenshank Creek, 2 Long-tailed Ducks on sea, Hen Garrier, Gibraltar Point. 10 Waxwings between A160 and A1077 at Ulceby Truckstop SW of South Killingholme. Ring-necked Duck fem opposite Scallow Grove Farm, at Grebe Lake, Messingham Sand Quarry. 27/2 Green-winged Teal drk on Marsh Farm grassland from raptor watchpoint, Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Frampton Marsh. 6 Lapland Buntings, ringtail Hen Harrier, 1w Caspian Gull, 25 Twite, Tetney Marshes. 28/2 Dark-bellied Brent Goose from Cradge Bank, 12 Turnstones, 2 as Bewick's Swans, Cowbit Wash, Cowbit. Lesser Yellowlegs 1w by visitor centre car park, Hen Harrier male over saltmarsh from Sea Bank Viewpoint, Green-winged Teal on Marsh Farm . grassland, Frampton Marsh. Caspian Gull 1w, Anderby Creek. Shorelark flew south over flooded path, Alkborough Flats. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. WILDLIFE NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Find the Grid Reference - don't forget - it's important Grab a Grid Reference: https://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ROAD KILLS? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Every drive is a transect! Hedgehogs? Badgers? Otters? Reports welcome. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Thanks to our regular contributors across the county. Much appreciated. We rely on readers to send in their observations and welcome records from everyone, experts or beginners. Please keep your reports coming. BARDNEY GARDEN P and M Porter 21st February 2024 2 Long-tailed Tits on fatballs BARDNEY - THE GREEN TF120694 R + A Parsons 24/2/2024 Buzzard over Silver Street being harried by 2 corvids, probably Carrion Crows. w/o 25/2/2024 Robin 1+_ seen and heard Blackbird 2+m, 1f. Chaffinch m. Wagtail 1 House Sparrow 6+ Starling 10+ Jackdaw 8+ Black-headed Gull 16+ Collared Dove 2 Woodpigeon 6+ Domestic pigeon 6 BOSTON GARDEN 25/02/2024 Kathleen Pearson A female Blackcap was feeding on our feeding station in our garden this morning. CARLTON LE MOORLAND Carlton le Moorland SK909581 Jeremy Hutchinson 15/2/24 Male Brimstone on the wing in the sunshine around an ivy-covered hedgerow. I can't recall having seen one in February before. HORKSTOW SE987179 Jenny Haynes 25 February 2024 Yesterday, I saw the largest bumblebee I have ever seen. My greenhouse was open and it was inside. It was very dark/black with a buff band but I was unable to see its tail. It appeared almost round! A queen, I would guess. A couple of weeks ago, a Siskin was seen on a bird feeder. Quite a rare visitor. My garden continues to be waterlogged with so much still pouring down the hill. I might have to start growing big plants! OSTLER'S PLANTATION TF216624 23/02/24 Steve Green Adder About 15ins long Basking in the sun and very reluctant to move. SEDGE HOLE CLOSE LWT Nature Reserve Steve Hiner 20/02/24 Blackbird x 1 Black-headed Gull x 2 over Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 6 Chaffinch x 2 Common Buzzard x 1 Goldfinch x 9 Jackdaw x 4 Jay x 2 Long-tailed Tit x 2 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 singing high over Sedge Hole Song Thrush x 1 Stock x Dove x 2 Wood Pigeon x 6 Yellowhammer x 1 SPALDING London Road TF248223 26/2/24 Annette Faulkner An approximately 1 metre long double strip of whitlow grass growing between tarmac and stone along the edge of the pavement and a gateway. All in full flower, none more than 2 ½” high. Absolutely exquisite. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 14/02/24 Dotted Border moth x 1 daytime flying, my first for site 18/02/24 Barn Owl x 1 17:50hrs Blackbird x 12 Black-headed Gull x 32 in fields around Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 4 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 23 Goldfinch x 37 Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Long-tailed Tit x 4 Magpie x 3 Mallard x 2 over Thurnholmes Redwing x 9 Robin x 1 Skylark x 1 singing high over Thurnholmes Stock Dove x 2 Song Thrush x 1 Tawny Owl x 2 18:00hrs calling Wood Pigeon x 6 Wren x 1 Wood Mouse x 5 in low mounted hole nest box 27/02/24 Blackbird x 2 Black-headed Gull x 4 over Thurnholmes Blue Tit x 2 Carrion Crow x 2 Chaffinch x 1 Common Buzzard x 1 Dunnock x 1 Fieldfare x 3 Goldcrest x 2 Goldfinch x 25 Great Tit x 2 Greenfinch x 1 Greylag Goose x 12 over Thurnholmes Jackdaw x 2 Kestrel x 1 Lesser Redpoll x 9 Little Egret x 1 SK804998 Magpie x 2 Redwing x 4 Robin x 4 Stock Dove x 1 sat on nest in box Tawny Owl x 2 calling 01:15hrs Wood Pigeon x 7 Yellow hammer x 1 WOOLSTHORPE BY COLSTERWORTH Jane Ostler 13th-21st February 2024 Lawns are ready for cutting but it is too wet. The Roadside Nature Reserve looks green but where the limestone comes near the surface, it is not the fine grasses which are providing the fresh green but the mosses. In particular the spreading fronds of Pseudoscleropodium purum. On 13th February 2024 on the adjacent Nature Trail there were fine specimens of the Collared Earth Star (Geastrum triplex) producing clouds of spores. Usually in the winter only dried specimens remain. On 15th February a Coltsfoot was in flower. The hedgebanks on Spring Lane were colourful with Lesser Celandine, Aconites and Snowdrops with both white and purple Sweet Violets. Male flowers of Dog's Mercury; were shedding pollen as were both Hazel and Alder catkins. Alongside the river Daisies were in flower in the grass (and on our lawn), and the Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) in full flower. In our garden the apologetic chirpings of the Dunnock have been replaced by the more flamboyant full song. Jackdaws are feeding on the new shoots of Elder. Only one report of a Brimstone out but in the brief periods of sunshine between the rain, the red-tailed Bumble Bee (Bombus lapidarius) was seen for the first time this year. We now have the White Tailed, Buff tailed, Tree, Early (Bombus pratorum) and (possibly) the Garden) out on sunny days and await the first Carder. On  these days the 7-spot Ladybird emerges from the bushes. In particular from the tight covering of leaves. Both Muntjak and Roe Deer are now regularly seen on Old Post Lane where they risk the traffic as they emerge from a wide covering of Blackthorn. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs and NATURE RESERVES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LWT Top Reserves: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves LWT Reserves List: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/nature-reserves-list RSPB Reserves https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/donna-nook http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR Report 21st – 27th February 2024 Contributors: - Peter & Janet Roworth, John Walker, Matt Blissett, Ruth Taylor, Owen Beaumont, Cliff Morrison and Dean Nicholson. Thank you to all other contributors. Daily News and Wildlife Sightings 220224 – 6 cattle egret at Rimac dipping pond. Drake pintail, 240 wigeon, 200 teal, 14 tufted duck, 22 shoveler, 8 gadwall, 160 redshank, 6 lapwing, 8 dunlin and 10 curlew on Sea View Washlands. Chiffchaff in song at Brickyard Lane. 230224 – 6 cattle egret on the river Eau banks at Rimac. Great white egret and 40 shelduck on Rimac lagoon. Drake pintail on Rimac lagoon and 3 stonechat next to Rimac car park. Another 3 stonechat at Elm House Farm, plus 5 grey heron, 140 wigeon, 220 lapwing and marsh harrier. Drake pintail on Sea View Washlands with wigeon where there was a minimum count of 200 redshank and 10 lapwing. A skein of 31 pink-footed geese flew high NW over Sea View during the day and great spotted and green woodpecker calling nearby. A barn owl at Sea View in the evening and 200 pink-footed geese in flight at dusk. 240224 – 83 curlew on farmland adjacent to Churchill Lane, where a chiffchaff was in song. 4 stonechat around Neptune’s Hut, south of Crook Bank. 6 cattle egret with ponies at Rimac entrance. 2 kingfisher and a grey wagtail at Paradise Lagoon. 600+ common gull on the beach at Mablethorpe North End. 2 common buzzard flew south. 300 curlew, 60 sanderling and 2000 mixed gulls roosting on the foreshore in the evening and 20 red-throated diver on the sea. Elm House Farm, 61 lapwing, 220 wigeon, 30 shoveler, 19 teal, 800 starling, ringtail hen harrier, male marsh harrier and sparrowhawk over the area, pair stonechat. Several skeins of pink-feet, 420 birds, flying over. In a nearby winter wheat field 240 golden plover. Paradise lagoon 37 shoveler, 14 gadwall, 4 mallard, 1 little grebe and a kingfisher. A colour ringed female wigeon was seen at Sea View washlands but with the activity of the bird and distance the full information could not be read but only sufficient to know it was a Dutch ringed bird. 250224 – Chiffchaff in song at Brickyard Lane, where 32 fieldfare flew west over the dunes. 218 pink-feet on grassland Elm House Farm. 2 Greenfinch at Sea View workbase. 260224 – At least 700 wigeon, 450 teal and 150 redshank on Sea View Washlands, along with smaller numbers of shoveler, tufted duck, mallard, gadwall, lapwing and curlew. At least 3000 starlings in the Sea View washlands area and 52 little egrets on the saltmarsh. On wet grassland south of Crook Bank were 285 curlew, 2 bar- tailed godwit, 1 black-tailed godwit, 22 dunlin, 1 oystercatcher, 89 redshank, 120 lapwing, 51 shoveler, 310 teal, 650 wigeon, 8 mallard, 12 tufted duck, 39 Canada goose, 1000 starling, 40 herring gull, 80 common gull, 1 lesser black-backed gull, 1 great black-backed gull and 200 black-headed gull. Cetti’s warbler singing in the dunes near Crook Bank. 27/02/24 – Chiffchaff in song at Churchill Lane and another between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane. Cattle egret and grey heron on Sea View Washlands. Cetti’s warbler in song at Brickyard Lane and 80 pink-footed geese flew high north-west. Greenfinch calling around Sea View Farm. Other Reserves: Donna Nook 26/02/24 – A single herd of 18 roe deer with another 2 very nearby was noteworthy. A fieldfare flew N over the dunes, numerous skylarks in song and a common toad near one of the pools. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These cover a huge area. Reports always welcome. The history of the Lincolnshire Limewoods: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/19111877.lincolnshire-limewoods/ The Forestry Commission visitor advice: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/coronavirus-visitor-guide ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch: https://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html Chambers Farm Wood - Butterfly Garden - gardening dates and times: Next date: 5th & 19th March 2024 https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lincolnshire-branch/chambers-farm-wood-butterfly-garden Lincolnshire Dormouse Group Gemma Watkinson writes: The next winter session will be on Sunday 17th March 2024 In the winter we start at 10am, meeting at the same location, in the wood centre car park at Chambers Farm Wood. You can get in touch via lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The NNR includes the following sites: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chambers Farm Woods (comprises Ivy Wood; Little and Great Scrubbs Woods; Minting Wood; Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park; and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting). College Wood; Cocklode & Great West Woods; Hardy Gang Wood; Newball Wood; Rand Wood; Scotgrove Wood; Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland. Many are also designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Discover Woodland Trust woods near you, including the best woods for walks, wildlife watching, family fun and heritage. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/#=undefined&view=map Lincolnshire County Council - Local Nature Reserves https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coast-countryside/nature-reserves Links to "Other Reserves" are welcome. Your suggestions, please. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. SENDING IN BULLETIN REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We aim to increase the number of people reporting observations to Recorders or via iRecord. https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ The Bulletin is a FREE service. We ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome. You don't have to stick to lists! Please help us to help you. When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] Bulletin mailing times may vary. It usually goes out on Wednesdays/ Thursdays in time for the weekend. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible, to: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. CONTACTS AND USEFUL WEBSITES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTACTS LIST *** Links "not to be missed *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union LNU Website: http://lnu.org/ LNU Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/LincsNaturalist LNU Facebook page: LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: https://twitter.com/LincsWildlife Lincs Bird Club: https://twitter.com/Lincsbirding LBC County Bird Recorder: recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk The Sir Joseph Banks Society: https://twitter.com/sirjosephbanks Lincolnshire Bat Group: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch: https://twitter.com/BC_Lincolnshire Lincsbirders: https://twitter.com/lincsbirders Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project: https://lincolnshirechalkstreams.org/events/ Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Trust: https://lincolnshirechalkstreamstrust.org.uk/ South Lincolnshire Flora Group: https://bsbi.org/south-lincolnshire-v-c-53 The Wolds Fungi Group: Contact Paul Nichol via email: pnichol20@gmail.com Lincolnshire Dormouse Group: Contact: lincsdormousegroup@gmail.com FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME Wildlife Crime https://www.lincs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wc/wildlife-crime/ SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. LNU Recorders and Specialists: https://lnu.org/specialists/ Downloads of LNU books: https://lnu.org/publications/books/ Recording with "iRecord": https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ iRecord is recommended by the LNU as an appropriate platform for on-line recording. Local Bat Helpline Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette Faulkner on 01775 766286 Email: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Confidential Bat Records You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Slug ID Help Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. Tel: 01383 669 124 Email: chris.r.dufeu@gmail.com When asking for help: Please give the very best information you can provide. If you are not sure, ask what is needed from you to confirm identification. Photographs are helpful but not every species can be identified from a photograph. When asked for further details, get back to them promptly. Don't forget a thank you for the help. That is always welcomed. USEFUL WILDLIFE LINKS Please copy and paste URLs if necessary. Lincolnshire Badger Group https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093647842292 email lincolnshirebadgergroup@hotmail.com Lincs Environmental Records Centre: http://www.glnp.org.uk/ Natural England: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ NHBS Natural history equipment or books. https://www.nhbs.com/ The Flora of Lincolnshire by Joan Gibbons: downloadable LNU book Atlas of the terrestrial and semi-aquatic Mammals of Lincolnshire: https://lincsnaturalist.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/mammalatlas.pdf *** For the Geologists *** Please copy and paste URLs if/as necessary. Fossil reveals 240 million year-old 'dragon' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68374520 Independent - Geology: https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/geology Lincolnshire Geodiversity Group: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/discovering/geology-1 Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds: https://www.lincswolds.org.uk/special-features/geology The Geology of Lincolnshire: downloadable LNU book ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. NOTES ABOUT THESE WILDLIFE REPORTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting. However, records are sent in by a variety of reporters; from complete beginners to professionals. They may vary in reliability and occasionally may be difficult or impossible to verify. If further information is needed please contact: old.museum@yahoo.co.uk Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP], Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. BULLETIN PUBLICITY POLICY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When sending in reports, e.g. unusual plants, please report any sensitive news directly to recorders. Not the Bulletin. We don't want to spoil things with unwise or untimely publicity. Thank you. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. Interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly or thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember: Views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU EVENTS DIARY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** LNU Events *** https://lnu.org/meetings/ https://lnu.org/meetings/indoor-meetings/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ...AND FINALLY... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** National or international stories *** Drax: UK power station burns wood from rare forests https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68381160 Norfolk hawker dragonfly no longer endangered, scientists say https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/26/norfolk-hawker-dragonfly-no-longer-endangered-scientists-say Does rewilding sort climate change?UK expert says nature can save planet and not harm farming https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/25/rewilding-climate-change-biodiversity-isabella-tree-nature-planet-farming Gut bacteria may explain why grey squirrels outcompete reds – new research https://theconversation.com/gut-bacteria-may-explain-why-grey-squirrels-outcompete-reds-new-research-223224 Work completed on Stainforth and Keadby canal's unique sliding bridge https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-68404519 Microplastics found in every human placenta tested in study https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/27/microplastics-found-every-human-placenta-tested-study-health-impact Stark mountain landscapes exposed in Canada as glaciers shrink https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134793-600-stark-mountain-landscapes-exposed-in-canada-as-glaciers-shrink/ Whale song mystery solved by scientists https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68358414 Mercury mystery: Poisonous element persists in tuna https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68339664 Why firms are racing to produce green ammonia https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68230697 *** Mail Fails *** None this week. ----------------- ~ THE END ~ ----------------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons old.museum@yahoo.co.uk http://rogerparsons.info/